Whether you are visiting the island for a spot of post-safari relaxation or as a stand-alone destination, Zanzibar is the perfect blend of island getaway and historical charm. Zanzibar Island is a semi-autonomous state of Tanzania and part of the wider Zanzibar Archipelago, made up of over 50 islands ranging from tiny outcrops in the middle of the Indian Ocean to the larger, more populated islands of Pemba and Unguja, the official name for Zanzibar. The island itself is just six degrees south of the equator and 35km off the coast of mainland Tanzania. It is the perfect place to relax after an East or Southern African safari!

 

The island boasts powdery white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class diving and snorkeling. Popular areas like Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje offer idyllic seascapes, calm lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs. Inland, you’ll find lush spice farms, tropical forests, and traditional villages.

 

The capital, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a maze of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, markets, and mosques. It’s a historical and cultural melting pot with influences from Arab, Persian, Indian, and European traders who passed through over centuries.

 

​Zanzibar is magical, but it’s more than just an “island escape.” It’s a place of contrasts — between lush beauty and poverty, serenity and complexity, tradition and tourism. If you go with an open mind, cultural respect, and a responsible travel attitude, Zanzibar will reward you with an unforgettable experience.

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Some things to note about Zanzibar

 

• The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous government of Zanzibar, a part of Tanzania. 

• The current president of Zanzibar is Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who took office on November 1, 2020. Zanzibar operates under a Government of National Unity, meaning that the president's position is shared between the top two election winners, in this case, Hussein Ali Mwinyi of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and his opponent, the Civic United Front (CUF). 

• Is bigger than you might imagine - 2400 sq km, or about 2 hrs [slow] drive from north to south

• Is 95% Muslim

• Has 1,4 million people and very high unemployment

• Subsistence farming and fishing are the main occupations along with lots of roadside enterprises like woodwork and weaving, steelwork and food markets

• It's hot and humid, properly TROPICAL with occasional rain showers

• Is poor and developed and it’s visible that very little tourist revenue gets to the people

• Has a new international terminal 3 at the airport and terminal 2 is now used for domestic travel, terminal 1 is is discontinued!

• Has the finest white sand beaches anywhere I have been and bathtub warm water

• Has superb resorts and guest houses with excellent food and seafood!

• The luxury resort called Kilindi was originally designed and owned as a retreat for Benny Andersson, a member of the 1970s pop group ABBA. 

• Has huge tidal zone where beaches are exposed all the way to the reef and water is far out - in most areas except the north west

• Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar's Government Hospital on 5 September 1946. His parents Bomi and Jer Bulsara were Parsees - followers of the Zoroastrian religion whose ancestors came from Persia - but they had lived in India.

• Has a very colourful history - read more here

• People love soccer and most evenings you will see soccer pitches busy with games on the go

• Spice farms are prevalent, usually around 2hrs + (best farms are about 30 mins from Stone Town) best to combine a tour of Stone Town and spices on your way in or out of the island

• Road quality is average, some good newly surfaced to others that are potholed and narrow passing through busy villages, off the main roads are dirt tracks that require walking pace only speeds, but only short sections usually as you approach the hotels and lodges, roads under construction

• Stone Town is busy and full of cars and scooters, slow going